Commercial Construction Estimator

Summary

Our client is a growing commercial construction organization based in Pembroke Pines, FL , supporting projects throughout South Florida and additional Florida markets, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Pembroke Pines, and Tampa . The company is experiencing significant growth and is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to strengthen its estimating capabilities and support an increasing pipeline of project opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator with a strong commercial construction background who is comfortable managing the estimating process across a variety of projects, including multifamily developments and airport/terminal projects . The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, developing accurate estimates, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor pricing, and supporting the company throughout the bidding and preconstruction process.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience and hands-on experience with estimating and takeoff software such as PlanSwift and similar platforms. This individual should be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing multiple estimates and bid opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction
  
  • Prepare detailed construction estimates for commercial projects from conceptual budgeting through final bid.
  • Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications to develop accurate project scopes and estimates.
  • Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
  • Develop comprehensive cost estimates based on project plans, specifications, historical cost data, and current market conditions.
  • Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and potential cost risks during the estimating process.
  • Assist with conceptual estimates and preliminary budgets for prospective projects.
• Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination
  
  • Develop bid packages and solicit pricing from subcontractors and vendors.
  • Review subcontractor proposals for scope coverage, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
  • Perform bid leveling and compare subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and competitive coverage.
  • Communicate with subcontractors and vendors to clarify project requirements and resolve discrepancies.
  • Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners.
  • Help maintain and expand the company's subcontractor and vendor database.
• Cost Analysis & Value Engineering
  
  • Analyze project costs and identify opportunities for cost savings and value engineering.
  • Evaluate alternative materials, systems, and construction approaches when appropriate.
  • Maintain awareness of current labor, material, and subcontractor pricing throughout the Florida construction market.
  • Review historical project data to improve estimating accuracy and support future budgeting.
  • Identify potential cost exposures and communicate risks to company leadership prior to bid submission.
• Project Handoff & Collaboration
  
  • Collaborate with ownership, project management, and field teams throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.
  • Participate in estimate reviews and provide clear explanations of assumptions, pricing, exclusions, and project risks.
  • Support the transition of awarded projects from estimating into project execution.
  • Provide project teams with detailed scope information, subcontractor pricing, and relevant estimating documentation.
  • Assist with pricing changes and additional scope when required during construction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Experience
  
  • Minimum 5 years of construction estimating experience .
  • Strong experience estimating commercial construction projects .
  • Experience with multifamily and/or airport, aviation, or terminal construction strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive construction estimates.
  • Experience soliciting, reviewing, and comparing subcontractor and vendor proposals.
  • Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.
  • Experience managing multiple bids and estimating priorities simultaneously.
• Technical Skills
  
  • Hands-on experience with PlanSwift or comparable construction estimating and takeoff software.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, sequencing, and trade scopes.
  • Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
  • Strong cost analysis, quantity takeoff, and bid-leveling capabilities.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets and standard construction documentation tools.
  • Ability to develop organized, detailed, and defensible estimates.
• Professional Skills
  
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to estimating accuracy.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and bid opportunities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Confident communicating with subcontractors, vendors, project teams, and company leadership.
  • Proactive and accountable with the ability to operate effectively in a growing construction organization.